Terry Dillon

Terry Dillon and I grew up within a stone's throw of each other and we first met at Ballyholme Primary School. My earliest memory of Terry was feeling envious that his Grandad had a sweet shop on the
Ballymaconnell Road!

During our time at Ballyholme we formed part of what I like to recall as a formidable defence in the football team Terry was our left bock and I always felt confident ploying alongside him While he was a team regular, he regarded swimming as his chosen sport.

When we transferred to BGS in 1968, we played together on rugby teams for several years Terry was a prop and I was in the second row I continued to feel confident having him alongside me on the sports field.

Terry also continued with his swimming, representing both BGS and Bangor Amateur Swimming Club with distinction and competing
regularly in the Irish Championships He was a season ticket holder every summer at Pickie Pool, where he and his brother Gory enjoyed
swimming for relaxation, as opposed to competition.

After taking his A-Levels, Terry began his career with NIE as a surveyor He then moved into IT. Over the years, as I met people who worked with him, I discovered I wasn't the only one who felt confident having Terry around.

He was building a reputation as a knowledgeable professional who could be relied upon to deliver results. By the time he retired he had moved to Veridion and then to a Chicago-based company, which led to considerable international travel.

He told me he was looking forward to retirement so he and his family could enjoy extended visits to their villa in Turkey, where he would be able to continue to enjoy swimming - but in warmer water! Sadly, he wasn't able to do that for very long as Terry passed away just 18 months ofter he retired (on 26 November 2017).

Terry is survived by his wife Susan, his children Richard, Lynne, Christopher and Julie, his grandchildren George and Lily, his brother
and sister Gary and Nichola, and his mum Patricio.

RONNIE PATTON